Belfast, Northern Ireland was treated to Caribbean hospitality and festivities last Saturday with the official launch of Caribbean Week 2015 at the Crescent Arts Centre.

The annual Caribbean Week highlights Caribbean history, food, music, poetry, {{more}}photography, fashion, tourism, agriculture, including emancipation and independence in the Caribbean region.

The main countries involved were St Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, Barbados, St Lucia and Cuba, promoting their history, culture, food and life, in and amongst Northern Ireland communities.

The festival is organized by the African Caribbean Support Organization Northern Ireland (ACSONI) in partnership with the Association of Caribbean Nationals (ACAN), with support from the Consulate for St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) to Northern Ireland. Main funders include the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and Belfast City Council.

Saturday’s launch featured a procession of performers and salsa dancing to the tropical rhythms; a Caribbean food-fest, SVG tourism, historical, art and agricultural exhibits, as well as a photographic exhibition by Sarah Hunter, highlighting the Caribbean diaspora’s positive contributions to civic life and diversity in Northern Ireland.

Dr Christopher Stange of the SVG Consulate said: “I would like to acknowledge the invaluable contribution made by the Caribbean diaspora in Northern Ireland in creating valuable links between our regions through tourism and a festival atmosphere. On behalf of the SVG Government, we are delighted to be part of this annual event to celebrate our neighbours and unique Caribbean civilization.”

The week’s programme also includes: Caribbean Intercultural Live Lounge Chat Show at NvTv studios; Youth Hub music programme; cultural, poetry and storytelling workshops; the big sound system and dancehall culture at a reggae dancehall night; Caribbean cultural food night at the Windrush Island café; Summer family health; fitness and sports day.